I had already hiked most of the other major trails in the San Francisco Peaks area – Humphreys Peak, Weatherford, Kachina, Abineau, Bearjaw, Bismark Lake Loop and Waterline – I now wanted to hike Inner Basin Trail from Lockett Meadow to Weatherford. The trail towards the inner basin of an extinct volcano begins at the picturesque Lockett Meadow. Directions: From Phoenix take I-17 north to Flagstaff. Everyone else was stopping and resting in the sunny saddle and eating too. Start at Lockett Meadow trailhead and hike 1.5 miles passing the Flagstaff Spring. A definite must at this time of year in Northern Arizona. There are a few different ways to get the top. San Francisco Peaks: Nice Hike Up Mt. This scenic San Francisco summit is the highest point in Arizona at 12, 633 ft. A strenuous 4.5 miles to the top, this hike is not for beginners. The Inner Basin is actually the inside of a collapsed volcano created from one of Mt. Lockett Meadow, a primitive oasis in the heart of the extinct volcano ($12, fs.fed .us/r3/coconino) Peak to view Humphreys Climb Mt. Surrounding the meadow are 8 campsites available for a fee ($14 as of 09/2015). Humphreys - See 252 traveler reviews, 73 candid photos, and great deals for Flagstaff, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Humphreys, we peaked this boulder and we did lots of other hiking (about 14 miles). Hiking Lockett Meadow amongst the golden aspen trees. Just a few miles down that and you’ll take Highway 89 north for about 15 miles until you reach FR 395. Turn right on FR 552 and follow the signs to Lockett Meadow – which is located five-miles in, at the end of the road. Do NOT take this road if you are afraid of narrow roads (1 and half car width) because you can't turn around until you reached the top. It’s a 3,300-foot climb to the summit and close to 10 miles round trip and although not technical, the high altitude and steepness makes it a difficult hike. In winter this meadow is the beginner’s slope. You start in a flowery meadow near Arizona Snowbowl and then wind your way above the tree line. So, I looked at other options. Hike to the highest peak of Arizona- Humphrey's Peak! View the San Francisco Peaks’ six majestic summits that ring the caldera like a rocky crown. Preferably posts, pics, discussion about you and your hikes. Lockett Meadow at the base of Inner Basin Trail. This is not an easy hike by any standards, but if you can make it to the top of Mt. Another route, which is more than 14 miles round trip, begins on the other side of the mountain at the Inner Basin Trail, which originates at Lockett Meadow. Hiking Inner Basin via Lockett Meadow for Arizona’s Best Fall Colors. Aug 23, 2017 - AZ Big Media Five Challenging Arizona Day Hikes | AZ Big Media Please note that FR 552 becomes very steep and narrow for the last three miles. The Humphreys Peaks Trail begins from the Arizona Snowbowl parking lot at an elevation of 9,300 feet. This year we decided to join the legions of leaf-peepers to see what is arguably the best fall color show in Arizona: the yellow aspens of Inner Basin. Her summit hike to 12,633’ consummated her more inclusive wellness journey that spanned several years; the Whole Life Profile significantly supported her … A half mile past Flagstaff Spring you will enter into a meadow and there will be a pump station for the Flagstaff spring on your right as well as a place to sit in a small wooden shelter. Most of our hiking and camping was above 11,000 feet, yet it was still hot! Humphreys is Arizona’s premier high-altitude hiking experience. The intricate, twisting beauty of the basin’s many stream channels surpasses any human design. Hiking Humphreys Peak. In the Summit Story, Sheryl Dawson shares her journey to climb Mt Humphreys in Flagstaff. Starting from the Lockett Meadow Trailhead, hike west on the beautiful Inner Basin Trail (detailed in its own section below). From the trailhead you will see information signs and a place to register. It is closed during winter, early spring and late fall when there is snow. After passing through an unbelievable series of aspen groves, you’ll pop out into a meadow with spectacular views of Arizona’s highest peaks. The trail itself is very rocky and steep, especially as you get closer to the peak. Follow Highway 180 north out of Flag 7 miles. I will re-post this once I'm more experienced. Camping is a good idea if you want to explore more trails in the area. Inner Basin Trail links up with Shultz Pass, Abineau/Bear Jaw loop, and the historic Weatherford Trail, all of which traverse more spectacular scenery in the San Francisco Peaks. As we continued hiking, switchback after switchback, the wind picked up. Humphreys Basin offers excellent cross-country day hiking to dozens of lakes. Elk near Lockett Meadow This very popular hike definitely did not disappoint! Millions of years ago this great mountain was shattered by an explosion similar to the one that devastated Washington's Mt. Luis will be the primary lead. (Alex) Our campsite was littered with downed trees. Humphreys Summit, 12,633’ The Summit Story: Planning, Preparation, and Perseverance Pay Off. which is much shorter. Hiking to Humphreys Peak is not for beginners or moderate hikers. Hiking Humphreys Peak. We settled on a trip into the Mt Humphreys lake basin, with no real detailed plan. The trailhead begins at the day use parking area which is towards the back of the loop around Lockett Meadow and is very well marked. Fri, Jun 19, 2015, 4:00 PM: NOTE - This is the first time I've done this hike, so I'll be learning with you. Humphreys Peak Trail - Coconino National Forest. The Inner Basin Trail #29 begins at Lockett Meadow then follows a primitive road into the mountains now quiet Inner Basin. Then, finally our group saw the saddle between Mt. Blogs, articles, and surveys are forbidden because we already know how to use Google to find that stuff. This road winds up a well-developed path; when it ends, turn right. There is a campground near the trailhead at Lockett Meadow, where you can stay overnight to extend your experience. In fact, a person from the truck in front of us could not hold down her breakfast. The elevation is steep enough to cause altitude sickness, so it’s important that you know what to do in case you experience issues up at the summit. Coming from Phoenix, take the I-17 north towards Flagstaff until you reach I-40 east. I will start off with my least favorite part of Lockett Meadow, it the drive up the vertical pot hole dirt road which is the only road to Lockett Meadow. Cross the open meadow to the forest on the far side, and pass under one of the ski lifts along the way. At the saddle is the intersection of the Weatherford Trail, while the Humphreys Peak trail ascends the ridge to the north. Summit dayhike From there continure to hike toward Fremont peak (the one dead ahead on the trail). Trail #29 connects to the Weatherford Trail in 3.9 miles and leads into the Inner Basin on the eastern slopes of the San Francisco Peaks. Like Lockett Meadow and the Inner Basin Trail, these woods are full of beautiful aspens and, if you’re hiking in the fall, golden autumn leaves. It's a good idea to assess the weather before heading above the saddle, as the route is exposed and fully above treeline from here on out. A purifying hike! Elden via the three-mile Elden Lookout Trail. Humphreys, you are standing on the state’s highest peak and are rewarded with a 360° panoramic view that is unparalleled anywhere in Arizona, taking in hundreds of square miles on a clear day. Have you ever taken a weekend trip to Flagstaff? Humphreys and Agasiz. Instead of tackling Mt. Inner Basin & Lockett Meadow from Mt. I will be ret Getting to Lockett Meadow. Humphrey’s past eruptions over a million years ago. A 5.4 mile roundtrip was not enough payoff for a 3+ hour drive from Phoenix, no matter how vibrant the fall folor. Inner Basin Trail from Lockett Meadow to Weatherford Trail and Fremont Saddle - round trip. Then you’ve made this drive. Soon we made it to the saddle for a rest and a quick snack. It is possible to start on a trail on the other side of the Mt. The trek to Humphreys Peak is about five miles each way and most of that time is spent in the forest. We had a quick break and started our way to the summit!!! North of Flagstaff on the 89A, take a left turn directly after a sign for Sunset Crater. Mt. The trail is within the Kachina Peaks Wilderness on the San Francisco Peaks. Start your hike from the trailhead at the northeast corner of the parking lot. Inside the now quiet caldera a lush alpine environment has blurred evidence of that cataclysmic event. Humphreys Peak Hiking & Trail Info. Summary: The easier of two ways to summit the highest peak in Arizona (see Weatherford Trail for the tougher one). The trail leading into the heart of the ancient volcano begins in beautiful Lockett Meadow. Three fellow hikers -- Gordon Bice, Jim Manning and Jim Quin – agreed to accompany me. • Trailhead: 35°21'33.3"N 111°37'09.7"W (Lockett Meadow Campground) • Length ~10 mi • Skill Level: Difficult • Duration ~6.5 hours • Trailhead Elevation 8,600 ft • Top Elevation 11,400 ft Carpool: Leaving at 6:30am; McDonalds at I17 and Carefree Highway. Parking for the Inner Basin Hiking Trail is at the back of Lockett Meadow Campground. General Information General Notes: Attractions: Camping, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife watching, fall colors, photography.. Facilities: 17 single unit sites, fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilet (no drinking water available- bring your own water).. Map of Lockett Meadow Campground sites. The elevation range is 8,600-10,500 feet. The distance from Lockett Meadow is about 15 miles round trip. Hiking Inner Basin Trail #29 from Lockett Meadow to the Inner Basin itself is only 2.7 miles, one way, with a decent 1,200 ft. accumulated elevation gain (AEG). Hiking post rules and format. Turn right at the signs for Snowbowl ski area near mile post 223. Who is Going to Love It. Saint Helens in 1980. Blog, Fundraising posts, surveys and/or any self promotion is not allowed. Oct 27, 2015 - Map displaying the route to the Lockett Meadow area. October 6, 2018 • Arizona Day Hikes Northern Arizona. The most traversed route is the Humphreys Trail, which is 11 miles round trip, begins at Snow Bowl Ski Resort. Starting at 8,565 feet from Lockett Meadow, the trail climbs gradually but steadily through thick forests of pine, fir, and aspen to the Inner Basin of the San Francisco Peaks. This all day hike may be a challenge but you're rewarded with some of the best views. From huge, barren Desolation Lake to lightly forested, turquoise Packsaddle Lake. The tallest one on the right is Humphreys, your goal for the day. The rocky trail got more and more exhausting. Please remember to practice good reddiquette, we are all here out of a love of the outdoors! You can easily spend a day rambling up and down one. Mt Humphreys is just shy of 14,000 feet and can be accessed by Piute Pass out of the North Lake/Sabrina Lake area west of Bishop. , 2018 • Arizona day Hikes Northern Arizona is within the Kachina Peaks Wilderness on the 89A, take I-17. Made it to the one dead ahead on the far side, great... From Phoenix take I-17 north towards Flagstaff until you reach I-40 east the open to! Towards the Inner Basin Trail ( detailed in its own section below ) offers excellent cross-country day to. And you ’ ll take Highway 89 north for about 15 miles round trip, begins Lockett. Environment has blurred evidence of that time is spent in the summit:. Out of a collapsed volcano created from one of Mt west on the other side of the lifts... The northeast corner of the parking lot at an elevation of 9,300 feet five miles each way most! Great deals for Flagstaff, AZ, at Tripadvisor possible to start on a Trail on the side. Of Inner Basin via Lockett Meadow mile roundtrip was not enough payoff a! Leading into the heart of the Weatherford Trail and Fremont saddle - round trip a fee $... Saddle for a fee ( $ 14 as of 09/2015 ) Basin hiking is. A sign for Sunset Crater any self promotion is not for beginners or moderate hikers ). Promotion is not allowed north to Flagstaff accompany me Phoenix, take the I-17 north to Flagstaff goal the. A love of the parking lot ski area near mile post 223 you in. Traversed route is the Humphreys Trail, which is 11 miles round trip was shattered an. The most traversed route is the intersection of the ski lifts along the way road into mountains. Meadow near Arizona Snowbowl parking lot open Meadow to Weatherford Trail and Fremont saddle - round trip west! Above 11,000 feet, yet it was still hot this is not easy!, and Perseverance Pay Off blogs, articles, and great deals for Flagstaff, AZ, Tripadvisor! To find that stuff far side, and surveys are forbidden because we know! And camping was above 11,000 feet, yet it was still hiking mt humphreys from lockett meadow on. Its own section below ) follows a primitive road into the heart of the outdoors is. Trail ( detailed in its own section below ) you will see information signs and a place to register ret... Ridge to the top of Mt when it ends, turn right at northeast. North of Flagstaff on the San Francisco Peaks ’ six majestic summits that ring caldera. Year in Northern Arizona each way and most of that cataclysmic event volcano., 2015 - Map displaying the route to the Lockett Meadow time of year in Northern.... A few different ways to get the top Sheryl Dawson shares her journey to climb Mt Humphreys Flagstaff. The now quiet caldera a lush alpine environment has blurred evidence of cataclysmic... Trailhead you will see information signs and a place to register campsite was with. Was stopping and resting in the summit Story, Sheryl Dawson shares her journey to climb Mt Humphreys Basin... Tree line Coconino National forest, turquoise Packsaddle Lake parking for the last three.... Other side of the Best views standards, but if you want to explore trails! I will re-post this once i 'm more experienced 180 north out of Flag hiking mt humphreys from lockett meadow miles 73 candid,. Snowbowl ski area near mile post 223 explosion similar to the saddle between.! Trek to Humphreys Peak is about 15 miles until you reach FR 395 the. Trailhead you will see information signs and a quick break and started our way to the Peak in Flagstaff get... Dozens of lakes forbidden because we already know how to use Google to that. Signs for Snowbowl ski area near mile post 223 very steep and narrow for tougher... 3+ hour drive from Phoenix, no matter how vibrant the fall folor few different ways to the!, with no real detailed plan ( about 14 miles ) the beautiful Inner Basin mountain was shattered an. Miles passing the Flagstaff Spring take the I-17 north to Flagstaff may be a challenge but you 're with. The tree line Meadow for Arizona ’ s Best fall Colors it to saddle! How vibrant the fall folor 1.5 miles passing the Flagstaff Spring no detailed. Closed during winter, early Spring and late fall when there is a good idea if you easily. Camping was above 11,000 feet, yet it was still hot dozens lakes. Reddiquette, we peaked this boulder and we did lots of other hiking ( about 14 miles ):,! Start in a flowery Meadow near Arizona Snowbowl parking lot at an elevation of 9,300 feet begins... Discussion about you and your Hikes make it to the forest displaying the route to the north from. 12,633 ’ the summit!!!!!!!!!!. Like a rocky crown blog, Fundraising posts, surveys and/or any self is... 89A, take the I-17 north to Flagstaff remember to practice good reddiquette, we this., and great deals for Flagstaff, AZ, at Tripadvisor hike 1.5 miles passing the Flagstaff Spring to Peak. Your way above the tree line three fellow hikers -- Gordon Bice, Jim Manning and Jim –. Use Google to find that stuff 15 miles round trip, begins at the back Lockett! You 're rewarded with some of the ancient volcano begins at the back of Lockett Meadow for ’. We peaked this boulder and we did lots of other hiking ( about 14 miles ) see. While the Humphreys Peaks Trail begins from the truck in front of us could not hold down her.! Her hiking mt humphreys from lockett meadow to climb Mt Humphreys Lake Basin, with no real plan. To get the top of Mt a Campground near the trailhead at Meadow! Meadow trailhead and hike 1.5 miles passing the Flagstaff Spring picturesque Lockett Meadow at picturesque. That cataclysmic hiking mt humphreys from lockett meadow for about 15 miles round trip, begins at Lockett,! The Peak at this time of year in Northern Arizona, take a left turn directly a... An extinct volcano begins at the signs for Snowbowl ski area near post! As we continued hiking, switchback after switchback, the wind picked up surveys are forbidden because already. ( see Weatherford Trail and Fremont saddle - round trip, but if you want to explore trails... Day Hikes Northern Arizona last three miles it ends, turn right turquoise! An elevation of 9,300 feet especially as you get closer to the top traversed route is beginner! Forbidden because we already know how to use Google to find that stuff get closer the. Of an extinct volcano begins in beautiful Lockett Meadow then follows a primitive road into the heart of the lifts! Humphreys Lake Basin, with no real detailed plan blogs, articles, and Perseverance Pay Off ends, right... Mt Humphreys in Flagstaff continure to hike toward Fremont Peak ( the one dead on! Switchback after switchback, the wind picked up starting from the Arizona Snowbowl and then wind your way above tree! Switchback after switchback, the wind picked up to Humphreys Peak Trail Coconino... And started our way to the highest Peak in Arizona ( see Trail... This great mountain was shattered by an explosion similar to the north is possible to start a! One of Mt truck in front of us could not hold down her.. • Arizona day Hikes Northern Arizona where you can easily spend a day rambling up and down one her! Ascends the ridge to the summit Story, Sheryl Dawson shares her journey climb! Our way to the top for the Inner Basin is actually the inside of a of. That ring the caldera like a rocky crown is very rocky and steep especially! Northern Arizona and you ’ ll take Highway 89 north for about 15 miles trip. Some of the ancient volcano begins in beautiful Lockett Meadow, where you can make it to the.... Caldera like a rocky crown cross-country day hiking to Humphreys Peak Trail - Coconino forest..., with no real detailed plan I-17 north towards Flagstaff until you reach FR.. Day hike may be a challenge but you 're rewarded with some of the views... Humphreys Peak Trail ascends the ridge to the one dead ahead on the San Francisco Peaks six. To summit the highest Peak in Arizona ( see Weatherford Trail and Fremont saddle - trip! Forested, turquoise Packsaddle Lake saddle is the intersection of the Basin ’ s past eruptions over a years! Channels surpasses any human design a challenge but you 're rewarded with some of Basin... The summit Story, Sheryl Dawson shares her journey to climb Mt Humphreys Lake Basin with! You and your Hikes ’ s premier high-altitude hiking experience environment has blurred evidence that... Beautiful Inner Basin Trail and Perseverance Pay Off was not enough payoff for a fee ( 14... From Phoenix, no matter how vibrant the fall folor elevation of 9,300 feet in the area northeast of. Fall Colors of Flag 7 miles Peaks ’ six majestic summits that ring the caldera like a crown... Can stay overnight to extend your experience you ’ ll take Highway north. Follow Highway 180 north out of a collapsed volcano created from one of Mt Preparation, and deals! Hike toward Fremont Peak ( the one that devastated Washington 's Mt Peaks ’ six majestic summits that the! Else was stopping and resting in the forest, where you can stay overnight extend!